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Eligibility For Aircraft Mechanics Certification

Determine if You are eligible for a airframe and powerplant
license by studying these requirements from the FAA



Basic Requirements to Become an Aircraft Mechanic


If you are a US Citizen.

What requirements must I meet to get a mechanic's certificate?

1. You must be;
* at least 18 years old.
* able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
2. You must have 18 months of practical experience with either power plants or airframes, or 30 months of practical experience working on both at the same time. As an alternative to this experience requirement, you can graduate from an FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School.
3. You must pass three types of tests.
* Three written examinations, (General, Powerplant and Airframe).
* an oral test.
* a practical test.

Do I need any other certificate to work on avionics equipment?

If you have an airframe certificate you don't need any other certificate, but you must be properly trained and qualified and have the proper tools and equipment. You can even work on avionics equipment without a certificate if you have avionics repair experience from the military or from working for avionics manufacturers and related industries.

How do I get a repairman's certificate?

To get a repairman's certificate, you must be recommended by a repair station, commercial operator, or air carrier. You must;

* be at least 18 years old.
* be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
* be qualified to perform maintenance on aircraft or components.
* be employed or a specific job requiring special qualifications by an FAA-certified Repair Station, commercial operator, or air carrier.
* be recommended for the repairman certificate by your employer.
* have either 18 months practical experience in the specific job or complete a formal training course acceptable to FAA.


If you are not a U.S. citizen and live outside the United States.

How do I apply for a mechanic's certificate if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must meet all the requirements listed above for United States citizens. You must also meet the following requirements:

1. Demonstrate you need a mechanic certificate to maintain U.S.-registered civil aircraft and you are neither a U.S. citizen nor a resident alien.
2. Show the examiner your passport.
3. Provide a detailed statement from your employer saying what specific types of maintenance you preformed on each aircraft, and how long you performed it.
4. Provide a letter from the foreign airworthiness authority of the country in which you got your experience, or from an advisor of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), validating your maintenance experience.
5. Make sure all the documents you provide are signed and dated originals.
6. Pay the fee for the document review.


What if I can't meet the English language requirements?

The language requirement may be waived if you live outside the United States. The FAA would stamp your certificate "Valid only outside of the U.S.".

 

FAA Experience Requirements to Become an Aircraft Mechanic (A & P)


You can get the experience you need to become a certified powerplant or airframe mechanic in one of three ways.

  1. You can attend one of the 170 FAR part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools nationwide. These schools offer training for one mechanic's certificate or both. Many schools offer avionics courses that cover electronics and instrumentation.

    You need a high school diploma or a General Education Diploma (GED) to get in to most schools. The schooling lasts from 12 months and 24 months, generally less than required by FAA for on-the-job training. When you graduate, you are qualified to take FAA's exams. Graduates often get higher starting salaries than individuals who got their required experience in one of the other two ways.

  2. You can work at an FAA Repair Station or FBO under the supervision of a certified mechanic for 18 months for each certificate, or 30 months for both. You must document your experience with pay receipts, a log book signed by your supervising mechanic, a notarized statement from your employer, or other proof you worked the required time.

  3. You can join one of the armed services and get training and experience in aircraft maintenance. Make sure you are in a military occupational specialty for which FAA gives credit. You can get a current list of acceptable specialties from the local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).

    You must present an official letter from your military employer certifying your length of service, the amount of time you worked in each specialties, the make and model of the aircraft or engine on which you got practical experience, and where you got the experience. You cannot count time you spent training for the specialty, only the time you spent working in the specialty.

With both types of on-the-job training you should set aside additional study time to prepare for the written and oral/practical tests. The FAA will give you credit for your practical experience only after reviewing your paperwork and you have a satisfactory interview with an FAA Airworthiness inspector.

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Page Updated May 21, 2024


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